Raymond Chow
About the Artist
Raymond Chow is a celebrated Vancouver artist known for his detailed pen-and-ink and watercolour works that document the cultural and architectural fabric of British Columbia. Since the 1960s, he has brought to life historic Chinatown, coastal fishing villages, urban streetscapes, and heritage homes — all rendered with warmth, humour, and remarkable precision.
Moreover, his drawings offer more than just visual charm. They serve as important cultural records, capturing moments of a city and a community in transition. As Raymond often describes himself, he is a “historian of time” — using his artwork to preserve memories, architecture, and everyday life before they fade into the past.
Through the years, Raymond has become one of Vancouver’s most beloved visual storytellers.
A Signature Style Rooted in Community
Raymond’s distinctive style — characterized by intricate linework and soft watercolour washes — evokes both nostalgia and familiarity. He consistently draws inspiration from daily life, historical architecture, and Vancouver’s ever-evolving landscape.
Importantly, he is among the earliest artists to document Vancouver’s Chinese Canadian experience through fine art. As a result, his illustrations carry emotional weight and historical significance. In addition, his approachable and sometimes whimsical tone allows viewers to feel personally connected to the places and moments he portrays.
Collaboration with Capulet Art
Our journey with Raymond began in 2006 when we collaborated on a Chinatown calendar featuring his original ink drawings. At the time, Capulet Art had not yet been founded — but this project laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Since then, we’ve proudly represented Raymond Chow through solo exhibitions, limited edition prints, greeting cards, and collector installations. His work continues to inspire not only our team but also art lovers across Canada and beyond.
Today, Raymond’s legacy is more relevant than ever. His art reminds us that every building, street corner, and cultural landmark has meaning — especially when seen through the eyes of a storyteller who has lived and drawn it all.
Selected Projects & Exhibitions
🎨 Selected Exhibitions
2023
Solo Art Show at Astor Theatre, Region of Queens Municipality, Nova Scotia, displaying paintings and line drawings of the local area.
2019
Retrospective exhibition at Capulet Art Gallery, Richmond, BC, showcasing approximately 150 pieces spanning 65 years of his artistic career.
2015–2017
Exhibitions at Capulet Art Gallery, Richmond, BC.
2014
Capulet Art Gallery, Richmond, BC
Archer & Horseman Gallery, Vancouver, BC
2013
Fragrant Wood Gallery, Vancouver, BC
2010
Hambleton Galleries, Kelowna, BC
Candler Art Gallery, Camrose, AB
2008
Asai’s Art Gallery, Korea and Japan
2005
Established and exhibited at Raymond Chow Art Warehouse, Richmond, BC
1996
Exhibition of drawings and paintings at L’Alliance Française, Vancouver
1994
Established Raymond Chow Art Gallery in Steveston, Richmond, BC
1992
Opened Raymond Chow Art Warehouse, Richmond, BC
1990
Established a private gallery in Richmond, BC
1978
Jack Hambleton Gallery, Kelowna, BC
1977
Art Emporium, Vancouver, BC (Exhibited with Andrew Wyeth)
1976
Hycroft Manor, Vancouver, BC
1974
Peter Ohler Gallery, Richmond, BC
1973
Solo exhibitions at:
– Gallery 1661, Halifax
– Leafhill Gallery, Victoria
– White Whale Gallery, Gig Harbour
– Raymond Chow Gallery, Vancouver
– Jack Hambleton Gallery, Kelowna
– Royal Palace of India, Rajasthan
1972
Gallerie Fore, Winnipeg
1971
Exposition Gallery, Vancouver
Campden Hill Club & Canada House Gallery, London
1970
Thomas Beckett Gallery, Hamilton
Alice Beck Gallery, Burlington
Varlow Gallery, San Francisco
Shaw-Rimmington Gallery, Toronto
Vancouver Historic Society, Victoria
1969
Exposition Gallery, Vancouver
Jack Hambleton Gallery, Kelowna
1968
Moos Galbria Gallery, Montreal
McPherson Theatre, Montreal
1967
Federation of Canadian Artists Gallery, Vancouver
The Downstairs Gallery, Winnipeg
Sobot Gallery, Toronto
Dutch Gallery, Vancouver
Eaton’s Historic Landmarks Exhibit, Saanichton
Index of National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa
🖋️ Major Projects & Series
These are important milestones in Raymond Chow’s career as an artist, designer, and cultural contributor:
2002
Completed White Gown Series
Began the Grand Piano Series
1999
Completed Karen Series
1996
Began Karen Series
1994
Began White Gown Series
1998
Participated in Painters at Painter’s Lodge, Campbell River, BC
Exhibited at Museum & Library Complex, Vancouver Chinatown
1997
Collaborated with Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
1987
Released CD of 29 original compositions, recorded at Mushroom Studios
1985
Created fundraising artwork for the Canadian Paraplegic Association
Performed piano at Cecil Green Alumni Association for UBC
1983
Designed Vancouver Symphony Show House cover
Launched Beautiful People of Vancouver portrait series
1978
Designed commemorative Captain Cook coins for Canada
🧑🎨Notable Collectors of Raymond Chow’s Work
Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia
Clint Eastwood
Sunny & Cher
Paul Anka
Raymond Burr
Gordon Lightfoot
- Sir Roger George Moore
Samantha Eggar
Noel Harrison
Grace McCarthy (Deputy Premier of British Columbia)
David Lam (Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia)
MLA Stephen Rogers
Mayor Robert Tenenbaum (Beverly Hills)
- Prime Minister Indira Ghandi, India
🏛 Corporate & Institutional Collections
MacMillan Bloedel
Scott Paper
Touche Ross
Variety Club
Bank of Hong Kong
Ontario Historic Collection
Toronto Public Library
Belzberg Collection
Index of National Gallery of Canada
👥 Private Collectors & Art Patrons
Robert Lee
Carol Taylor
Susan Matheson
Doreen Braveram
Fran Belzberg
🎨 How I Met Vancouver Artist Raymond Chow
In 2006, I met Raymond Chow — a moment that would quietly shape the future of my life in the arts.
We crossed paths at a bus stop in Richmond. At that time, I was still figuring out my direction. Raymond, on the other hand, was already a respected Vancouver artist, renowned for his intricate pen-and-ink drawings and watercolour works capturing local life, culture, and history. Our conversation felt natural — relaxed, unforced — and led to an unexpected friendship.
Eventually, I learned more about Raymond’s career and his deep love for capturing scenes from Vancouver’s Chinatown, West Coast fishing villages, and classical music culture. Although I didn’t fully realize it then, that meeting planted a seed.
🖼️ The First Project That Sparked Capulet Art
Soon after we met, I proposed working together on a Chinatown calendar using Raymond’s artwork. It became the first project that would carry the spirit of what later grew into Capulet Art & Framing.
We printed the calendars, sold them at local shops and bookstores, and began to build relationships with gallery owners and retailers. As a result of Raymond’s trust and generosity, I gained valuable experience navigating the art industry for the first time.
That single project wasn’t just a success — it became the foundation for the journey I’ve been on ever since.
🤝 A Lasting Friendship and Creative Journey
Since then, Raymond and I have stayed close friends. I’ve printed his artwork, distributed his limited edition prints and cards across North America, and exhibited his work regularly at our gallery. He’s supported many of my creative initiatives — often with thoughtful advice, a good laugh, and his signature artistic energy.
Today, nearly 20 years later, Raymond Chow continues to be one of the artists I admire most. He wasn’t just the first artist to work with me — he was the one who helped me believe in what Capulet Art could become.
Without that conversation at a bus stop, Capulet Art & Framing might never have existed.
— Kevan Seng
Founder, Capulet Art & Framing
Available Works
Capulet Art is proud to offer original drawings, watercolours, and fine art prints by Raymond Chow. Each work is created or reproduced with the artist’s permission and reflects a heartfelt connection to Vancouver’s past.